Tripadvisor Group Enhances Leadership at Viator, Focusing on Experience Optimization
In a strategic move to enhance its leadership and sharpen focus on travel experiences, Tripadvisor, Inc. has announced significant changes within its Viator division, the world’s foremost experiences marketplace. Pepijn Rijvers has been appointed President of Viator effective April 1, 2025, while Kristin Dorsett has been elevated to the role of Chief Operating Officer. This leadership transition comes as Tripadvisor seeks to strengthen Viator’s role in the burgeoning experiences sector, capitalizing on the growing demand for curated travel experiences.
CEO Matt Goldberg expressed confidence in Rijvers' extensive background, emphasizing his deep industry knowledge and successful track record in scaling marketplaces. Rijvers is expected to leverage his insights gained from over 12 years at Booking.com, where he held prominent positions like Chief Marketing Officer, significantly contributing to the growth of the travel industry's largest accommodations platform.
Viator has seen remarkable growth metrics, reporting an impressive $840 million in revenue and achieving full-year profitability in 2024. This momentum puts the company in a strong position to expand further under the new leadership. With approximately 400,000 experiences listed worldwide and partnerships with more than 65,000 operators, Viator’s inventory is expansive, driving its competitive edge.
Goldberg also highlighted the clarity of Tripadvisor’s strategy, which positions experiences as central to the company’s core offerings. The combination of Tripadvisor’s trusted travel brand and Viator's vast marketplace creates a unique opportunity to connect global travelers with high-quality experiences, thereby enhancing overall satisfaction and retention.
Rijvers remarked on the transformative nature of the experiences category, referring to its shift from fragmented offline offerings to a more integrated online approach enabled by technology. He expressed excitement about leading Viator through this transformative period, taking advantage of the company’s comprehensive network and superior inventory to position Viator as a global leader in travel experiences.
Kristin Dorsett’s promotion showcases the company’s commitment to internal talent and operational excellence. Having been a crucial part of Viator's structure in various capacities, her knowledge and experience in supply and technology are vital as she concentrates on strategy and execution across the business.
As travelers increasingly seek meaningful experiences, Tripadvisor Group is committed to leveraging its combined strengths to meet and exceed new market demands. The company’s comprehensive approach integrates technology, travel guidance, and marketplace dynamics to provide unparalleled value to users and partners alike.
In the coming years, as travel resumes and evolves post-pandemic, Tripadvisor Group plans to continue its robust growth trajectory, fueled by innovative leadership and a steadfast commitment to enhancing global travel experiences across its platforms. For ongoing updates and further information, interested parties can visit Viator’s official website or Tripadvisor’s main platform.
About Tripadvisor, Inc.: Tripadvisor aims to be the world’s leading source for travel insights, helping users discover experiences worth sharing. The firm combines a vast portfolio of travel-related brands, including Viator and TheFork, harnessing technology and data to enhance user engagement and service delivery across the travel landscape.